Gilad Erdan, the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, made a strong statement during an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In his speech, he emphasized that the ongoing conflict in the region should not be framed as a war between Israel and the Palestinian people but rather as a conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization.

Erdan’s statement underscores the Israeli perspective that the primary adversary in this situation is Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries. According to this viewpoint, Israel is acting to defend itself against the actions of Hamas, which includes rocket attacks, terrorism, and other activities that threaten the security and well-being of Israeli citizens.

Erdan also expressed concerns that Hamas might be banking on international intervention through the United Nations to prevent Israel from defending itself. This concern reflects Israel’s stance that it has a right to self-defense in the face of threats from terrorist organizations, and it highlights their perspective that international responses should consider the broader context of the conflict and the actions of groups like Hamas.

The US Defence Department is expediting the delivery of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Australia, as a result of recent meetings between representatives from both nations earlier this month. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles held discussions with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin III at the Pentagon on October 31, focusing on the United States-Australia alliance, the transfer of Black Hawks, and various foreign policy matters.

The Black Hawk helicopters are being introduced to replace Australia’s MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. This decision came after an MRH-90 helicopter crashed in Queensland during Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 28, leading to the grounding of the entire MRH-90 fleet.

US Secretary Austin expressed optimism about the future of the relationship, particularly in the realm of defence cooperation. He emphasized their shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region and their determination to make that vision a reality.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation, including collaboration on defence technology, force posture initiatives, and the trilateral AUKUS partnership with the United Kingdom. They also celebrated recent announcements regarding the historic cooperation between Australia and Japan, exchanged views on shared security challenges, and discussed additional alliance initiatives to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also discussed the global security environment and shared their perspectives on the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Earlier this year, three new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, manufactured in the US, were delivered to Australia for use by the Australian Army. Two of these helicopters, built by Lockheed Martin, were transported to RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney on July 30 via a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport plane. These two helicopters are part of the initial batch of a total of 40 Black Hawk helicopters ordered by the Australian Defence Force. A third UH-60M Black Hawk arrived on August 4, also transported via a US Air Force C-17, as confirmed by a Defence spokesperson.

HI all,

Well, I have had my pacemaker fitted all is good, arrived home from hospital at 1:30 no pain thank goodness. I’m quite a bit tired very little sleep, so I’ll have an afternoon nap so I’m ready to watch some riveting TV tonight …haha. I have left arm in a sling and I’m not to reach above my shoulder for three weeks. Anyhow, I will be back at my desk tomorrow.

Cheers

Ray

The RAR Colours Parade is being conducted at RMC Parade Ground on Thursday 23 Nov 2023 Guest & Attendees are requested to arrive NLT 1030. The RAR Colours Parade is being conducted at RMC Parade Ground on Thursday 23 Nov 2023.request to arrive NLT 1030. The Parade commences at 1100_1200. Dress Coat & tie medals

There is limited parking and taxis are allowed on site suggested drop point Finaly Road and or Harrison Road near Duntroon House or Harrison Road back of the Changi Chapel

https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/rmc+canberra/@-35.2996629,149.1615391,17z?entry=ttu

The 75th Anniversary Dinner is in the Great Hall of Federal Parliament 1800 for 1830. Allow time for security screening.

Dress Coast & Tie no medals.

Tickets for the dinner cease to be sold at 1600 sharp Thursday 09 Nov 23

Event details:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/annual-infantry-dinner-75th-anniversary-of-the-royal-australian-regiment-tickets-689725927817?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is a great opportunity to see all the colours on parade in the one place at the same time, these sort of event are few and far between

Many Thanks

Keep Well & Travel Safe

“Keeping the Spirit Alive”

Regards

Greg
G J DECKER
Secretary RARA National

From Murray Harley ref an OLD Boys Rugby

Christmas Lunch Normandy Hotel Brisbane from 1200 on Fri 15 Dec 23 PAYG Meals and Drinks,

For all ARSU, combined or interservice players, this includes the Navy & RAAF.

If you want to catch up with old and new buggers, RSVP Fri 08 Dec 23 to Murray on 0415152748

Pleases pass details on to your mob living in and around Brisbane or visiting on that date.